Located 5.7 miles (9.3 km) from Rossport, Battle Island Lighthouse was established to guide boats coming in from Lake Superior through Simpson Channel, into Nipigon Bay. The original lighthouse, built in 1871, was replaced in 1911. The grounds are open to the public, but the tower is closed. It can be viewed by private boat, commercial charter, or by kayak/canoe.
Lamb Island Lighthouse is located in Ontario’s Superior Country at the south end of the Nipigon Straits 56 miles (90 km) east of Thunder Bay. A light tower was originally placed on Lamb Island in 1877 later to be replaced in 1961 with a 45 foot (13.6 meters) square, skeletal light tower.
Located on the eastern side of the Black Bay Peninsula, Porphyry Island is 24.8 miles (40km) east of Thunder Bay. Porphyry Island Lighthouse is only accessible by boat, the closest launching point is Silver Islet, a short drive past
Several historic figures canoe through the area. Many statues around the town commemorate explorers such as Samuel de Champlain (1615), Jean Nicolet (1620), Pierre-Esprit Radisson and Médard des Groseilliers (1658), La Verendrye (1731), Alexander MacKenzie (1794) and David Thompson (1812). The Mattawa Museum also features a large statue of Big Joe Mufferaw, a lumberjack hero.
In Mattawa's Legion Memorial Park, by the Mattawa River, two plaques remind of the importance of this canoe route. The Mattawa River had been used for millennia by First Peoples before it was first seen by Europeans in the early 17th century. For more than 200 years thereafter, it was one of Canada’s main highways of exploration and commerce.
The La Vase Portage is a 14 km route through unspoiled areas with beaver dams and swamps. The three portages together constitute a key link between the Mattawa River flowing east to Lake Nipissing and the French River flowing west into Georgian Bay.
Enjoy a piece of history by visiting the Hallett. This mighty tugboat was the strongest and largest ship in the fleet. Lumberjacks that towed pulpwood along Rainy Lake called the Hallett home until it was taken out of service in 1974. The 60-foot three-story tug now sits along the waterfront at the Sorting Gap Marina.
Find peace and natural beauty of this garden that reflects the dreams of master gardeners Russell and Eleanor Adcock. Wander paths, feed the turtles and enjoy the acres of beautiful flowers and trees. This is a true paradise for the inner gardener and nature lover.
Retrace the footsteps of the community's pioneers at the Heritage Sawmill. Visitors can explore the story of generations of lumberjacks who braved the North. This interpretive community gatherin centre displays the richness of Hearst's forest heritage.
Vested Interest houses both sustainable and fair-trade wares and foodstuffs—including over 300 gluten-free foods—from both local creators and international artisan families from countries like Indonesia, Nepal and Thailand, and has been in operation for almost 30 years. It is recommended to allow at least an hour to explore this beautiful barn-style shop.